Ariana, Live on The Runway: FGI Chicago’s First Annual Meeting

FGI Bd Members: Katie Deluna, Deanna Spoerl, Nina Francois, Jess Crane, Adilene Villapando, Swetha Chinnari and Kimi Ellwein

The time for FGI Chicago’s Networking Celebration and Annual Meeting had finally arrived – all culminating on the sixteenth of a chilly January night with attendees congregating at The Loop’s Industrious . Hosted at this luxurious Art Deco-inspired venue, this exclusive networking event celebrated not only the past achievements of the fashion community but also tapped into the excitement for a formidable Chicago fashion future on the horizon. This esteemed group, a blend of seasoned industry leaders and rising names in fashion, gathered together to usher in a new era of collaboration and innovation for Fashion Group International’s Chicago Regional Chapter.

With warmth and professionalism, Fashion Group International Chicago’s Regional Director Jess Crane of Jess Crane Designs opened the celebration with the welcoming of a guest of honor: Chief Executive Officer and 2024 Rising Star Award Winner of the Shoes/Accessories Category Samantha Dong of Ally Shoes.  Curated by the guidance of Jess, Samantha began her introduction by drawing attention to the gilded centerpiece in the middle of each table. 

CEO Samantha Dong is the brains behind the comfortable elegance cascaded eminently on the marble malone.  A brand styled by science with inclusive offerings, Samantha Dong, alongside her founders Dr. Roxanne Clarke and Sara Jaramillo, are passionate about empowering women through fashion and making luxury footwear more accessible for women on the move. Cue the Chanel doused with cunning suitor pursuit, Dong and company mimics Prince Charming's royal squad, summoning the fittings of Ally Shoes for possible in their Cinderella-era elegance everywhere, commencing an everyday shoe try-on at leisure and at play.

As dedicated as Samantha is to prevent havoc and promote healing to those suffering from the same wounds and searching for supportive shoes, Crane dissects her own due diligence towards the craft by ensuring each detail relayed by Samantha supports reverence to her own personal perseverance of the historic fashion legacy of Illinois. The pair exchanged for what made for a delightful discussion about the launch and evolution of Samantha’s luxury brand, which has captivated both industry insiders and fashion aficionados since its debut. “This is one of the many reasons why I am so excited to serve as the Regional Director of FGI Chicago,” dances Crane with deviance as she dissents Dong’s departure and continues onto the crowd. “Our community is brimming with talent! I look forward to bringing people together with engaging topics, thoughtful programming, and by fostering community connections.”

Crane specifies her focus on overseeing the creative process for fundraising events, such as the upcoming Blue Jacket Fashion Show Brunch, a Fashion Group International New York Chapter tradition that will feature a silent auction benefiting zero prostate cancer. Crane will also remain passionate about preserving Illinois’ fashion history and documenting the state’s fashion legacy in an honorable way that will coincide with her new leadership role within FGI Chicago. 

FGI Members Listen to Presentation

Meet The New Board Members

A highlight of the evening was the induction of the new Executive Board of FGI Chicago. Their collective influence promises to propel the Chicago fashion scene to even greater heights. As the newly inducted board members took their seats, there was an air of anticipation — the room seemed to hum with the promise of what was to come.

Among the evening’s most moving moments was a closing speech made by Kimi Ellwein, a self-dubbed Renaissance Woman and noteworthy assist in launching The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Overture Council, a young professionals network a community that educates, inspires, and highlights the careers of trailblazing Fashion Stylists. This year, Kimi Ellweign will serve as the Programming Director for FGI Chicago, alongside Adilene Villalpando, another aspiring Fashion Designer of an original international self-made brand known as Villandez. “As a new member of the board, I am excited to start assisting in creating extraordinary events that will mark significance and inspiration to those seeking opportunities for their fashion careers, or simply to those seeking to find memorable, exclusive fashion events.”

Kimi Ellwein

Similar to that of a soothing, seared nightingale, the new Executive Board of Fashion Group International of Chicago was rang in ever-eminent style, rejoicing with prominence as new names emerged in election:

The Fashion Group International Chicago Secretary is Maria Vathis. A veteran to the year preceding, Vathis indicates that it is her honor to serve a second term as a Secretary of FGI Chicago. “I look forward to continuing to give back to the vibrant and thriving fashion community.”

Another new face to the scene and within the industry is DeAnna Leticia Spoerl of Letty Sparrow. “One of my main goals within the Chicago Fashion community is to build brands up and drive sales for our local content creators,” details Spoerl. “So, I am excited to bring new and fresh ideas that will be both fun and impactful for members in our community.”  

Treasurer Melissa Carr and Membership Director Katie DeLuna are most fueled by the capability of inspiring a better tomorrow. “I am thrilled to be on The FGI Board of Directors, where I can help shape the future of our dynamic fashion industry,” includes De Luna later on an original social media post. “This role provides an incredible opportunity to collaborate with innovative leaders, mentor aspiring talent, and champion initiatives that drive creativity and growth. Together, we can inspire the next generation and strengthen Chicago’s presence as a hub for fashion excellence.”

Lastly, but certainly not least, powerhouses Swetha Chinnari and Nina Francois will take the lead as FGI Chicago Marketing Directors. “I love being on the FGI board,’ tells Nina Francois, “There is a constant flow of exchange of ideas, networking, and learning event productions.”

Hila Geller & Bhavana Jain

A Tribute Towards Two of the Truest Inspirational Icons for Chicago Fashion

During their leadership with FGI Chicago, Bhavana Jain and Hila Geller installed immense integrity to the practice of curated craftsmanship and advocated for adamant authenticity within the community. 

Jain and Geller’s determined dedication and steadfast support for surrounding fashion career makers and companies alike is thoroughly recognized and will leave the Chapter’s Board Members with sincere, notable expectations to uphold and upkeep.  The groundwork established during their term of service truly raised the profile of Chicago Fashion and helped improve the quality and future of young professionals tremendously.

This year, both Jain and Geller will continue to allocate more efforts to their own businesses, focusing more on the opportunity to reimagine and feature sophistication in the form flattering ready-to-wear garments. Bhavana Jain is the Chief Executive Officer and Designer of BHAV, a line inspired by the rich diversity of South Asian heritage fabrics. Jain is also the host of the Intentifiers Podcast, an audio listen that is available for streaming on Apple Podcast.  Hila Geller is the founder of STAM Apparel, an upcycled Luxury brand established in 2020 that promotes vintage simplicity with a stylish selection of sweatshirts.

As the evening drew to a close, guests lingered, indulging in thoughtful conversation and admiring the stunning pieces showcased throughout the venue. The night served as a powerful reminder of the unity and resilience of the fashion community, particularly within the FGI Chicago chapter. To become successful within the world of Chicago Fashion, it is important to showcase teamwork, a knack for inclusivity, and a purified willingness to blend efforts between various communities and foundations in collaboration.  With similar goals and so much knowledge to share, programming that encourages listening to other peer perspectives, quality thought leadership, and informed, enriched learning is of value that extends beyond the pinnacle of just one evening. 

All event photography credit goes out to Francis Son